The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to strengthen its anti-illegal drugs campaign for a drug-free Philippines. In a decisive series of operations in Benguet, two major drug activities were successfully dismantled, resulting in the arrest of high value individuals and the seizure of millions worth of illegal substances.
Between 11:00 PM of October 18 to 1:16 AM of October 19, 2025, joint operatives of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) of Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of Benguet Police Provincial Office, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division (RID), Tuba Municipal Police Station (MPS), La Trinidad MPS, PNP Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit-CAR, Regional Intelligence Unit-14, and Provincial Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-CAR, conducted a buy-bust operation in Badiwan, Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two drug personalities–a male and a female, both in their early 40s, after selling a vacuum-sealed pack of crystalline substance suspected to be shabu weighing approximately one (1) kilogram, with an estimated market value of Php6,800,000.00.
Recovered during the operation were marked money, boodle cash, two mobile phones, and a blue BYD SUV used in the transaction. The inventory was conducted on-site in the presence of barangay officials and members of the media. As of this writing, the suspects are under the custody of RPDEU-CAR, while authorities are preparing criminal charges against them for violating the Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Later that day, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, joint teams from Bakun MPS (Lead Unit), PDEU, Provincial Intelligence Unit-Benguet, RID PRO-CAR, RIU-14, and PDEA offices of CAR, La Union, and Pangasinan, launched a marijuana eradication operation at Sitio Saka-angan, Kayapa, Bakun, Benguet. The team discovered a 1,500 square meter plantation site where they uprooted about 7,500 fully grown marijuana plants with an estimated value of Php1,500,000.00, which were burned on-site after documentation.
These successful operations reflect the PNP’s unwavering resolve to intensify its anti-illegal drugs campaign, in close coordination with partner agencies and local communities.
Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Acting PNP Chief, affirmed this accomplishment stating: “These operations are proof that our intensified anti-illegal drug efforts are working. PNP stands firm in its duty to protect communities and ensure that those who peddle drugs face justice. This is not just enforcement—it is our commitment to secure a future where families live free from the shadows of illegal drugs.”
